By DENNIS YUSKO Staff writer

Published 1:00 am, Tuesday, August 18, 2009

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. went from the winner's circle at Saratoga Race Course to the Saratoga County jail in less than 24 hours.

City police arrested Arroyo, 33, early Sunday on Park Place on charges that he possessed nearly 12 grams of cocaine with the intent of selling it, according to court records. Officer Edward Braim allegedly found the drugs in Arroyo's vehicle after stopping him for not wearing a seat belt, Lt. Gregory Veitch said. Arroyo now faces charges of criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies, and two driving violations.

On Monday, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board suspended Arroyo from racing in the state pending a court hearing on his arrest, board spokesman Joseph Mahoney said. The board also scheduled a hearing on the matter for Friday, when it could impose additional penalties, included the indefinite revocation of his racing license, Mahoney said.

"If he came on the track now, he'd be escorted off the premises," Mahoney said.

Arroyo was in Saratoga County jail on Monday on $25,000 cash bail.

The Winthrop, Mass., man has a history of arrests and suspensions ranging from substance abuse to second-degree assault, and has prior suspensions and fines for his actions. He is due back in City Court on this latest matter at 9 a.m. today .

Arroyo was pulled over by city police about 8 a.m. Sunday near Circular Street, Veitch said. Investigating officers said they found 11.9 grams of cocaine after stopping the car.

A day before his arrest, Arroyo had guided long shot Prince Dubai to a first-place finish at Saratoga Race Course's seventh race on Saturday. He hoisted his 3-year-old son in his arms while in the winner's circle. It was his second win of the meet from 56 starts.

"I don't know the details, just that everyone's scrambling trying to get him out," Cordero, said. "I spoke to him Sunday at 4:30 a.m. and at 6 a.m. and he told me he had a family emergency, and that's the last time I spoke to him. I was under the impression that he was in Boston and he was here."

Arroyo's past problems with illegal substances and the law include a suspension for marijuana after being tested at Aqueduct on Dec. 4. He was reinstated to racing in June after agreeing to random drug testing, Mahoney said.

Freelance writer Claire Novak contributed to this report. Dennis Yusko can be reached at 454-5353 or by e-mail at dyusko@timesunion.com.